Alberta braces for water scarcity as fracking intensifies

Alberta braces for water scarcity as fracking intensifies

As Alberta anticipates a severe drought, the oil and gas industry faces warnings of limited water availability due to extensive use in fracking,

Drew Anderson reports for The Narwhal.


In short:

  • Fracking in Alberta consumes billions of litres of water, permanently removing it from the water cycle.
  • With Alberta on the brink of an intense drought, there's growing concern over water allocation among municipalities, industries, and agricultural sectors.
  • The Alberta Energy Regulator has alerted oil and gas companies about potential water shortages, emphasizing the critical situation in southern Alberta.

Key quote:

"The water used in hydraulic fracturing is 'unrecoverable' to the environment; it is all removed from the active water cycle."

— Renato Gandia, spokesperson for the Alberta Energy Regulator

Why this matters:

The fracking process is water-intensive, requiring millions of gallons of water per well, which can worsen water scarcity in drought-prone areas. The large volumes of water used in fracking become contaminated with chemicals and cannot be easily reintegrated into the water cycle, leading to concerns about the sustainability of water supplies.

In Pennsylvania, more than 5,000 wells in the state were injected with 160 million pounds of undisclosed, “trade-secret” chemicals, which potentially include PFAS.

Chunks of ice float in ocean from melting polar ice sheets.

New hires in Department of Energy challenge climate science consensus

The Trump administration has quietly brought on three scientists who have long dismissed mainstream climate science, raising fears that federal climate policy may take a dangerous detour.

Maxine Joselow reports for The New York Times.

Keep reading...Show less
An oxidized fence running along a flooded river.

Flood deaths rise in Texas as Trump slashes disaster preparedness and weather forecasting

More than 100 people are dead and dozens remain missing after flash floods hit Texas Hill Country, raising alarm over deep staffing cuts and disbandment plans at federal emergency and weather agencies under President Trump.

Nina Lakhani and Oliver Milman report for The Guardian.

Keep reading...Show less
Water churning during a flash flood
Credit: Hans/Pixabay

Schumer calls for investigation into Texas flood response

Sen. Chuck Schumer is calling for a federal investigation into whether staff vacancies at National Weather Service offices in Texas worsened the outcome of the July 4 flash floods that killed scores of people.

Alexander Bolton reports for The Hill.

Keep reading...Show less
A map showing the city of New Orleans being inundated by water.

New satellite data shows parts of New Orleans sinking rapidly, threatening flood defenses

Parts of New Orleans are sinking up to two inches per year, with key flood protections including levees and wetlands losing elevation quickly, raising concerns about the city's ability to withstand future storms.

Rebecca Dzombak reports for The New York Times.

Keep reading...Show less
A bench sitting in floodwaters.

Vulnerable communities hit hard by cancelation of climate grants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under President Trump has canceled more than $2.7 billion in climate and environmental justice grants, derailing projects in flood-prone and pollution-burdened communities across the country.

Ames Alexander reports for Floodlight.

Keep reading...Show less
An offshore wind turbine on a cloudy day.

Denmark pushes to tie climate goals to European defense and economic strength

Denmark launched its European Union presidency with a push to keep climate policy on the agenda, arguing that energy independence is critical to Europe’s security and competitiveness.

Rosie Birchard reports for Deutsche Welle.

Keep reading...Show less
Disaster response kit Go-Bag
Credit: Getty Images For Unsplash+

A customizable survival kit for climate-fueled disasters

Grist has launched a free, customizable guide to help communities prepare for and recover from extreme weather events, hoping to close a vital information gap during disasters.

Lyndsey Gilpin reports for Grist.

Keep reading...Show less
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.